Participatory Governance

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The Collegial Consultation Process

The purpose of the committee structure is to assure the effective participation of all constituencies in decision making as well as to fulfill the intent of state law and regulations. The structures, procedures and committees supporting participatory governance include provisions for the effective participation of students and staff on issues which affect them.

The implementation of the committee structure takes a commitment of time and effort by each participating member, along with a commitment of resources by San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE). Committee members are chosen for their expertise and area of responsibility, not just to represent a constituent group.

It is understood that effective collegial consultation requires mutual respect and understanding among faculty, staff and administration. A well-structured institutional structure, with established principles and practices, supports the open and honest exchange of ideas. The participatory governance process works best when participants trust and commit to working cooperatively toward joint action to benefit students.

Primary Constituencies

San Diego Continuing Education is comprised of four primary bodies that work together in committees and administrative divisions to further the work of SDCE:

Academic Senate

The primary function of the Academic Senate is to allow faculty to have the opportunity to express their opinion and to ensure that those opinions are given every reasonable consideration, and that faculty assume primary responsibility for making recommendations in the areas of curriculum and academic standards.

Administration

The administration consists of the president, vice presidents, deans, managers and directors. The President’s Cabinet and President’s Executive Cabinet are advisory groups to the president.

Classified Senate

The primary function of the Classified Senate is to participate in the governance structure of San Diego Continuing Education; to actively collect, evaluate, and disseminate information for the classified staff; and to represent the collective interests of the classified staff before or on any governance, college or district committee.

Students

The Associated Student Body (ASB) promotes the interests and welfare of students and the campus community. Membership is open to all students and is voluntary.

Committee Structure

Committees are an avenue to bring together members of San Diego Continuing Education from all constituencies and components of the administrative structure. Members represent various interests and levels of expertise. Committee responsibilities may include making recommendations, identifying and studying institutional issues and reviewing services and programs to achieve the committee's strategic goals.

Members actively participate to further institutional directions. Members are chosen for their expertise and area of responsibility, not just to represent a constituent group. The appointment of faculty members to serve on committees is made by the San Diego Continuing Education Academic Senate, after consultation with the President or designee. Similarly, the appointment of classified staff members is made by the San Diego Continuing Education Classified Senate.

Mission: San Diego Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse adult learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to college.